I had no hesitation in awarding this a five star review. C.J.Sansom is an incredible and formidable writer. His accounts of life during the reign of KI had no hesitation in awarding this a five star review. C.J.Sansom is an incredible and formidable writer. His accounts of life during the reign of King Henry V111 are forensically researched and brilliantly portrayed. So much so that you feel the tension and fear that palace courtiers and those in high places lived with day in and day out. Samson's character, the hunchback lawyer, Matthew Shardlake is such an unlikely hero, as far removed from James Bond and Jack Reacher as you're ever likely to find, but his scrapes with authority, his cunning investigations and brushes with death are as close as the reader is likely to get to being burned at the stake. You can smell the fear, smell the scorched flesh and feel as though you are actually in the medieval, stinking city of London. Terrific story telling....more

Well written, easy to read, difficult to put down. Harris probably draws on his experience as a journalist and contact with the intrigues of the politWell written, easy to read, difficult to put down. Harris probably draws on his experience as a journalist and contact with the intrigues of the political class who run our country to portray as credible set of circumstances. He does this with ease and with style, and with believable, well observed characters. Strongly recommended....more

Andy MacNab has more about him than most 'polished' thriller writers. His stories trip along with gritty realism and see no reason to give in to politAndy MacNab has more about him than most 'polished' thriller writers. His stories trip along with gritty realism and see no reason to give in to political correctness. They are as genuine as the man themselves and are born from his experiences of life under cover and under fire. This work of fiction may not reach the high, literary standards of the literati, but by heck he certainly spins a good yarn. We may have to put up with a lot of detail, and maybe his hero, Nick Stone, gets beaten up too much for his own good, but it's fiction and good at that. I've no hesitation in awarding it four stars....more

Gerald Seymour has been described as the world's "finest thriller writer". I have read two of Seymour's books previously. No, I lie; I have read one aGerald Seymour has been described as the world's "finest thriller writer". I have read two of Seymour's books previously. No, I lie; I have read one and couldn't be bothered to finish the second. I've avoided his books for several years because I don't like his style of writing. I dislike chopped sentences that have no grammatical sense and would fail an English Literature exam. But that's his style, and he gets way with it. I struggled with Timebomb: really struggled. I wanted something to happen. I wanted the characters to look real, not people who failed to the share the same characteristics most of us are used to or expect. Or maybe they are the kind of people Seymour has come across in his journalistic career. He is certainly a fine and clever writer; probably more in the John Le Carré class than Andy Macnab, say. But I want thrillers to rip along and keep me engaged and wanting not to have to put the book down. Most of the time I wanted not to have to pick the book up. But I tried, I really did. So, well done Gerald Seymour for being hailed as the world's finest, but only a true fan of yours could enjoy this book. Three stars is all I can award it, even though I feel it merits less. I don't recommend it unless you are a Seymour fan....more

Frederik Forsyth always comes through with something that keeps you turning the page. The Kill List is no different. When a country finds a need to erFrederik Forsyth always comes through with something that keeps you turning the page. The Kill List is no different. When a country finds a need to eradicate a thorn in their side like most terrorist are, it has to be done covertly, and often no credit is given to the hunters and those who finally wipe out the killer or killers. Forsyth's knowledge of political intrigue and the work of the security forces keeps the reader engaged and enthralled in what is a very readable and enjoyable thriller. I recommend it....more

A book for those who have suffered a family loss or have battled an illness, helping to understand and find hope in the way God handles everything. AA book for those who have suffered a family loss or have battled an illness, helping to understand and find hope in the way God handles everything. A book to dip into from time to time. Well written but not always easy to stay with the narrative....more

Mark Billingham has to be right up there with the best crime writers. This is only the second of his books I have read. I can't remember the last one,Mark Billingham has to be right up there with the best crime writers. This is only the second of his books I have read. I can't remember the last one, but I will certainly read more. If you like your leading characters to be normal like most of us who make up the bulk of Joe Public, then you'll be pleased to know that DI Tony Thorne is just like us, as are most of the cops in his department. DI Thorne is not one of your Maigret policemen, or cunningly intuitive like Sherlock Holmes, but works hard at solving the horrific murders in this well written novel, relying on help from other police sources. The characters are well portrayed, recognisable and believable, and all woven into a plot that captures the imagination and leaves the reader in suspense, which is built steadily and almost invisibly. When you realise the nature of the suspense that Billingham has woven into the story, you can begin to understand why he is among the best....more

Andrew Walker has come up trumps with his first novel. Set in 1401, carefully researched, it draws on the true events of the Lollards who risked execuAndrew Walker has come up trumps with his first novel. Set in 1401, carefully researched, it draws on the true events of the Lollards who risked execution, often by burning at the stake, because they defied the crown by distributing bibles written in English. This is the first of the Wolvercot trilogy, and this tale augurs well for the next two books. Adam Wolvercot, the main character, is a young man, a teenager, who risks life and limb with a mysterious stranger named Randulf , to carry an English translation of the bible to an unknown apothecary who holds the key to the mystery of his long lost father. The two young men experience near death, violence, betrayal and imprisonment as they battle against powerful forces that reach to the very top of the Catholic monarchy. Good story telling. good research and neat twists and turns make this a very enjoyable read. ...more

Although I have rated this as a four star read, I struggled to enjoy it. I have read a couple of Coben's novels in the past, and have yet to considerAlthough I have rated this as a four star read, I struggled to enjoy it. I have read a couple of Coben's novels in the past, and have yet to consider him among my favourite writers. I know his fans will enjoy this book, but as a writer myself, and understanding the difficulties of putting together a compulsive read, I am always aware of one of my editor's useful pieces of advice: to ensure that I don't wander from the story into narrative that does not move the story-line along. Coben spent a great deal of time, in my opinion, dwelling on Kat Donovan's past, and her current state of mind which was directly linked to her past. Unless I missed the whole point, it had very little to do with what was a clever plot. So, a reluctant four star because I know Coben's fans will enjoy it....more

I wish I was clever like John Grisham. Such a well conceived plot, it's a wonder he isn't a racketeer himself. It took a little bit of getting into beI wish I was clever like John Grisham. Such a well conceived plot, it's a wonder he isn't a racketeer himself. It took a little bit of getting into because of the amount of legal detail included, which I suppose you have to expect with Grisham. He switched the narrative from first person to third person, which took a bit of getting used to. And it also took me quite a while to accept that the main character was black. Perhaps it's because I'm so used to reading of white characters in the leading role. But the complicated plot highlighted for me just how clever Grisham is. He claimed it was a complete work of fiction and in that respect I have to allow him licence to mould a little improbability into the story: there were often times when I think he let his pen run away with him, but it didn't detract from the story. I hesitated before awarding it four stars, but I think that's because it dragged a little in the middle. However; he more than made up for it in the end. Terrific story telling. I recommend this book....more

I liked this book: the story trips along nicely at a good pace, and the characterisations are well drawn and believable. As always with works of fictiI liked this book: the story trips along nicely at a good pace, and the characterisations are well drawn and believable. As always with works of fiction, the plot does blur the lines between reality and imagination, but that's a fiction writer's tool, and often a necessity to provide and entertaining and thrilling ride. The main character in my opinion is Roger Legion; something of a psychopathic, demonic owner of the top lawyer outfit in the city. He demands total commitment and devotion from his lawyers, pays well and will drop them without hesitation if they fail to meet his standards. Two of his lawyers figure heavily in this story, which unfolds in the most surprising and unexpected way. Tangling with hard-nosed villains is usually done in the courtroom, but in Aiello's story there is more than meets the eye in those employed by Legion. This is a well written romp and I have no hesitation in recommending it to thriller readers everywhere....more

When I started reading THE BIG BEND, I thought at first it looked like it was going to be a four star read, but in the end I could only give it threeWhen I started reading THE BIG BEND, I thought at first it looked like it was going to be a four star read, but in the end I could only give it three stars. Gary Showalter has written a well researched novel, but as a thriller (or maybe it wasn't intended to be), it moved too slowly for me. There was far too much detail about the food, the boats, the people and the Everglades. I found much of it got in the way of the story and hampered what could have been a shorter, but fast paced story. I've no doubt Showalter wants to collect fans of his work, but if like me they are European based (I live in Spain but hail from England), they might find all the minutiae about the glades and mangroves mean little. Fine for those people, Americans mostly I would imagine, who are well aware of that area, but it was rather like taking a tour of a road map. I think Gary Showalter should trim his prose and develop a faster writing style. I still recommend this book but I'm not likely to pick up another of his novels. ...more

I'm reluctant to give this book four stars, but I think for all Reacher fans it's a must read. I had to dig deep to stick with it, although I have toI'm reluctant to give this book four stars, but I think for all Reacher fans it's a must read. I had to dig deep to stick with it, although I have to say that Lee Child lacks nothing when it comes to putting together a well crafted novel. Reacher finds himself needing help, falling in love (almost) and coming close to being completely human. I sense here that Reacher is getting old now. Maybe Lee Child will have to put him out to pasture. But I recommend this tale. ...more

Despite all the glowing plaudits at the back of the book about David Baldacci's prodigious talent, I find myself doubting the suitability of those plaDespite all the glowing plaudits at the back of the book about David Baldacci's prodigious talent, I find myself doubting the suitability of those plaudits for this novel. It's the characterization of the two assassins that leave me shaking my head. Two, absolutely top, top killers pitched against each other where superlatives are sprinkled liberally liked confetti at a wedding. If only they could fly; then it would have been easier to call them Superman and Wonder woman. Suffice to say that Rambo would struggle against them. It failed to hold me enthralled as it probably would for Baldacci fans, but then I'm probably looking at it from different perspective. I have read another Baldacci novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sadly, this one let's him down by comparison. A three star is all I can honestly rate it....more

Robert Goddard is certainly a fine writer, and I found this novel well written with good characterization and plenty to get your teeth into. The plotRobert Goddard is certainly a fine writer, and I found this novel well written with good characterization and plenty to get your teeth into. The plot moves at a sedate pace, more reminiscent of Agatha Christie type mysteries and keeps you thinking and guessing throughout. I have not given more than three stars because the story does tend to get a little bogged down at times, but this shows how impatient I can be when it comes to working my way through a crime novel. The action, if you can really call it that, switches from England to Wales, to USA, to France and to Spain. There are interesting flashbacks to the Spanish Civil war, which were necessary for the development of the story, but perhaps over-done. The book is divided into four parts but I cannot think why: there were no obvious divisions in the narrative that I could see, so perhaps this was a quirk of the author. On the whole a well written book and I would perhaps read another of Goddard's, but not necessarily go out in search of one. For fans of English crime, cottages, chintz curtains, antiques and middle class characters, this is a must. For fans of red hot thrillers with plenty of action, I suggest you give this one a miss....more

Visitors to the Island of Teneriffe will recognise the beauty of the island in Nik Morton's evocative descriptions of what the island has to offer toVisitors to the Island of Teneriffe will recognise the beauty of the island in Nik Morton's evocative descriptions of what the island has to offer to the tourist, but few, if any, will recognise the darker side so vividly portrayed in this novel. No doubt the fiction is inspired by Morton's ability as a thriller writer, and not something that he has uncovered by stealth. It is a fact that immigrants head for the Canary Islands from Africa, but here Morton has added spice to the tragedies that often unfold through people trafficking. In THE BLOOD OF THE DRAGON TREES, Morton puts his main character, Laura Reid, in mortal danger simply because she has unwittingly placed herself in a new teaching job with a family involved in the dark arts of people smuggling and trading in endangered species. She finds herself drawn to Felipe, the brother of her employer, but Felipe's girlfriend, Lola, turns out to be something other than a girlfriend scorned. Piling into this conspiracy of thieves and murderers is Andrew Kirby who is attracted to Laura for reasons other than just wanting her to help him in his pursuit of the villains. Along with the local police and the Guardia Civil, Laura and Andrew find themselves hounded by the criminals where their lives are in danger. Nik Morton takes the story along at a fine pace, and readers of his past novels will not be disappointed in his narrative, his characterisation and careful plotting....more

If The Cuckoo's Calling had been written by anyone other than J.K.Rowling, I doubt if it would have made much progress. I found the book tedious and dIf The Cuckoo's Calling had been written by anyone other than J.K.Rowling, I doubt if it would have made much progress. I found the book tedious and difficult to get through. Two glaring mistakes in the early part of the book had me thinking, but I allowed them to pass by because it looked as though the book was shaping up to be a good read. There was far too much detail about the characters, their history, their hang-ups and their phobias etc. Each time the private detective, Cormoran Strike interviewed a new suspect, out came all the family trees; the same old ground was covered and it just became a carousel that I had a strong desire to get off. There was an enormous amount of bad language: probably more than Martina Cole could have managed. It might have helped in the characterisation, but for me it was well over the top. There is no doubting that J.K.Rowling is a clever writer: Harry Potter supports that, but to turn her hand to a crime novel was, in my opinion, a mistake; she should stick to Fantasy. I can't recommend this book unless you're the curious kind....more

I started reading Carmen Amato's books because I was interested in Mexico and now have completed all three. I find her stories very parochial, but thaI started reading Carmen Amato's books because I was interested in Mexico and now have completed all three. I find her stories very parochial, but that's because she writes from a thorough knowledge of her country. Because I live in Spain and speak a little Spanish, I do not have too much trouble with the Spanish names and colloquialisms, but it might prove a little tedious for English language readers who have little time for foreign words. Amato's writing is good yet not too pacy, but there is a tendency to overdose on the 'poor me' character of Emilia Cruz, the leading character in the stories. If any reader decides to pick up one of Amato's books, I would suggest they begin with the first one (Hidden Light of Mexico City). I think this would help in order to establish in the reader's mind Emilia's family background. There is a love angle in her life, but I find it a little too 'mushy'. Whether it's intended as a counterpoint to Emilia's trials as the only female detective in an masochistic police department, I'm not sure. I just wish Emilia would 'kick ass' and get on with it instead of caving in to boorish and overbearing 'hombres'. I like Amato's writing, even if it does drift off-line a little. I don't care too much for her love interest: he seems too perfect to me. I know from her biography that Carmen Amato spends time in New York, and I would suggest she tackles a police story there. Perhaps she could get Emilia Cruz sent to New York on assignment. This would reduce the need for too many Spanish words and phrases which, I'm sure, would help build an American readership. I hope so. I recommend this book....more

There's no doubt that Elmore Leonard is a consummate writer. I'd never read any of his books before I heard of his death earlier this year. I'd seen tThere's no doubt that Elmore Leonard is a consummate writer. I'd never read any of his books before I heard of his death earlier this year. I'd seen the film 'Get Shorty' and enjoyed it immensely, particularly John Travolta as Chilli Palmer. I thought the book was fairly good, but I soon became uncomfortable with the dialogue: a continuous output of Bronx speak, which I found exhausting in a way. Perhaps it's because I'm English and the American tough guy vernacular grates on my ear; I don't know. I didn't like the way the dialogue switched from narrative prose to film script. I know the book is about Chilli Palmer (I love that name) ingratiating himself with the film makers in LA and Miami, but it looked odd when a character's name appeared in block capitals before his or her section of dialogue, rather than the standard way of using 'he said' after speech. It was a little tricky for me to hang on to the fact that this was about a gangster sent out to pick up money that was owed to another hood, because it kept getting lost in the constant discussions about how to make a film, raise the money, persuade a star to appear in the film etc. But for all that this book is an enjoyable romp and I'm sure any American readers who haven't read the book will like it. As for the English; you'll just have to get used to the ride. I recommend the book....more

I began reading this book earlier in the year but gave up. Last week I decided to try again. I think its the kind of book that will appeal to people wI began reading this book earlier in the year but gave up. Last week I decided to try again. I think its the kind of book that will appeal to people who would enjoy reading about occupied Paris during the war, with Nazis and Gestapo thugs all over the place. The story seemed to be over-burdened with night club life, prostitutes and the desperate struggle to survive under the jackboot. I don't think it captured the real essence of the threat that existed during the war in occupied countries, and I don't think there are too many people alive today who could challenge Wallace's interpretation. I thought there was too much dialogue in the book, but other readers might have a different view. It has received a huge amount of four and five stars on Amazon, so I would recommend potential readers to check the reviews there rather than rely on my relatively low grading....more

I did try to get through this book but gave up when I was about one third of the way through. I downloaded the book after a post from Walter Danley onI did try to get through this book but gave up when I was about one third of the way through. I downloaded the book after a post from Walter Danley on Goodreads. I looked at the reviews and was impressed by ALL the five stars. Being a writer myself, I was also 'suspicious'. However, I defer to those who have awarded Danley five stars; that's their opinion, mine is different. I gave up mainly because I got fed up with reading about real estate, apartments to let, executives at board meetings and a whole lot more about bricks and mortar that, quite frankly, left me wondering when we were going to get to the bottom of the murder mystery: it seemed at times as though it had been forgotten. Was this a thriller? A detective novel? I never did find out. I've awarded three stars because I don't want to be churlish and trash this book; there are others who might enjoy it, but I would urge potential readers to 'look inside' and judge for themselves....more

I hesitated between three and four stars for this book. Frey certainly knows how to write and produced an entertaining read with this thriller. But thI hesitated between three and four stars for this book. Frey certainly knows how to write and produced an entertaining read with this thriller. But there was so much detail about banking that I could have used it as study material for a degree in finance. Take out the minutiae about the heady world of corporate bankers and the book becomes a novelette. Yes, it was a New York Times best seller (aren't they all?), and I'm sure fans of Frey will tell me that the detail was essential. There were elements in the book which I believe I can identify as a 'way out' for thriller writers who need to wash over tricky parts that find the characters in unlikely situations. But I can forgive all that because I appreciate what it takes to produce stories of this calibre. I recommend it but I will think hard before I settle down with another Stephen Frey novel. ...more

Simon Scarrow is the kind of author you can rely on when it comes to blood and thunder novels like this. The fictional account of the siege of Malta bSimon Scarrow is the kind of author you can rely on when it comes to blood and thunder novels like this. The fictional account of the siege of Malta by Suleiman and his Turkish followers is well written, full of action and probably sticks close to the facts. As much as I enjoyed the book, I realised that the thread running through it was a little weak, but it didn't detract from a thrilling, gung ho novel. I visited Malta years ago as a teenager and can't remember much about it, but I would like to see the place again and learn more about this 'brave' little island. For those of you who might wonder what I mean, Malta was awarded the George Medal for its defiance while under siege by the Germans during the Second World War. I recommend this book....more

This novel is well written and in that sense is a credit to the author, but for me it was more like a Saturday Essay in a national newspaper: plenty oThis novel is well written and in that sense is a credit to the author, but for me it was more like a Saturday Essay in a national newspaper: plenty of facts, plenty of information and a great deal of description with regard to American and Mexican politics, double dealing and the cartels. I could not believe the members of the 'Z' organisation had this uncanny ability to literally fly, although only a few metres, but it took the story into the realms of Sci-Fi, which I don't think the author intended. It struggled to keep my interest but that doesn't mean it's a bad book; other readers might thoroughly enjoy it. I sincerely hope so....more

Melvyn Bragg has demonstrated that he has a firm grip on the subject. For students of theology, this book will sit well on your bookshelf and could beMelvyn Bragg has demonstrated that he has a firm grip on the subject. For students of theology, this book will sit well on your bookshelf and could be a welcome aid to your studies. For students of English history, this is almost like a summary of 400 years: it's a must. American history? It virtually began with the Pilgrim Fathers, determined to take the Word of God to the Americas. From King James 1st. to President Obama, the King James Bible has been an influential companion and witness to events that have changed the world. I have no hesitation in recommending this tome. ...more

This read was different than what I had expected, but it was still enjoyable. Character development is good and the story line interesting. Aside fromThis read was different than what I had expected, but it was still enjoyable. Character development is good and the story line interesting. Aside from the story beginning on a German sub, it mostly takes place on a desolate island populated by a few hardy families and taken over by a landing party of Nazi soldiers who must find the secret papers. The story is well thought out and there are interesting twists and turns. Do the Nazi's find the packet of secret papers that could change the course of the war? Does the brave young hero Billy and Ailie the girl he loves survive? You will enjoy the answers when you read the book.